The Best Dive Bars in Cleveland, According to Bartenders

With a slanderous nickname of “The Mistake on the Lake,” Cleveland is so often viewed by uninformed outsiders as, well, a dive bar of an American city. But that’s an outdated line of thinking. Cleveland is red hot nowadays, and not just because Cheap Trick recently got inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. LeBron James calls the town home after a brief affair in Miami, having just brought C-Town its first title since 1964. The city has a revived culinary scene too, helmed by celebrity chefs like Michael Symon and Jonathon Sawyer. Later this summer, the Republican National Convention will visit Cleveland—and regardless of party affiliation, every local is going to want a stiff drink to get through that crazy week.

Luckily, Cleveland drinking is all of the sudden very cool. Once a Rust Belt town of cheap tallboys and longnecks, the “Sixth City” now boasts famed breweries like Great Lakes and top cocktail joints like the Velvet Tango Room. Sure, prices are more expensive than they used to be when Cleveland was a working-class, “drinking man’s” town, but all good things must come to end. And new good things must arise too.

We asked 10 of Cleveland’s top bartenders where they drink when they want cold pints of Coors and warm shots of Old Overholt. You’ll probably find them bellying up to these watering holes when they’re off the clock, still celebrating the Cavaliers’ remarkable NBA title.

Ritesh Singh

Singh says: “While I’m hesitant to call the B and G a dive bar as it’s more of a neighborhood staple, it’s an intimate setting which is dimly lit and partially illuminated with old-school promotional beer lamps (Bud Light Spuds Mackenzie being the universal favorite) and signs, while boasting heavily trafficked pool tables and quaint booths. Owned by Benny while operated by son and daughter in-law, VC and Cynthia, family runs the show at B and G. And I do mean the WHOLE SHOW. They cook, tend bar, bus—everything. Additionally, they’re so damn sweet, and the attention you’ll receive from B and G is that of close friends. They grill up one of the best all-American burgers (our chef Brett Sawyer’s favorite). Now for the drinks: Almost everything is two dollars and kept simple. Beer, shot, or simple mixed drink all served up cold and quick. It’s truly inspiring the pride they take in operating this 36-year-old outfit.”

Jeffrey Dix

Dix says: “An unassuming hole-in-the-wall situated across from a downtown casino, the Ontario Street Cafe harkens to an earlier time. Dimly lit and typically bustling, you can settle up to a vinyl booth or the horseshoe bar for a pitcher of beer or the lowest-priced top shelf drinks in town. Also noteworthy are the massive corned-beef sandwiches, which stand up to even the best in New York City. A true dive that you don’t want to miss.”

Katie Kaufman

Kaufman says: “They have a chill vibe and the music is always on point. Their playlist is everything from Backstreet Boys, to Kanye West, to Tom Petty. After long hours behind the bar, it’s always fascinating to people-watch, and Dive Bar offers some of the best people-watching.”

David Earle

Earle says: “A punk-rock dive bar near Cleveland’s historic West Side Market, this was a true old-man dive bar way before the area got gentrified. The new owners were smart enough to keep the bar pretty much as it was (bowling machine and all). It has great food, cheap drinks, and a juke box heavily loaded with stoner rock and death metal. This is an industry favorite with bartenders. The Fernet and Overholt flows freely."

David Bumba

Photo: Yelp/Carl A.

Owner of Yuzu

Favorite dive bar: Harbor Inn Cafe (1219 Main Ave; 216-241-3232)

Bumba says: “To me, a dive bar means a bar with character, a certain warmth and coziness, and of course, cheap prices. It's a place that melds together people from all different walks of life, where everyone is an equal regardless of status, income, looks, age, race, or any other social barrier you can think of. One of the oldest bars in Cleveland (if not the oldest) is Harbor Inn on the west bank of the flats. It started as a destination for dock and factory workers way back in 1895. The bar has a ‘library’ of old-time liquor bottles collected over the various years. The bar recently changed hands in 2015—the first time since 1969. The new owner promised to keep most everything the same; the biggest change was finally adding a draft-beer system.”

Cassaundra Hollaway

Hollaway says: “I adore the place. It's a small Irish bar where all the bartenders are wonderful and very personable. Everyone's family there. It's so easy to grab a beer after work and just relax without the unnecessary drama of overcrowded bars."

Mike French

French says: “The Social Room is a traditional dive spot I frequent for the cheap beer and late-night darts. You can go here any night of the week and see familiar faces at the bar or around the pool table. It's like Moe’s Tavern with better looking bartenders.”

Ralph Sgro

Photo: Yelp/Cory R.

Bar manager at Platform Beer Co.

Favorite dive bar: Tarrymore Inn (13356 Madison Ave, 216-228-6476)

Sgro says: “This place has the best patio, friendly staff, and a nice mix of clientele.”

Kristen Waskosky

Waskosky says: “Nestled beneath the Grog Shop, B Side is a dusty basement bar packed full of vintage pinball machines and a spacious dance floor. The bartenders are a spectrum of unique characters and are always welcoming with a heavy pour of my favorite drink: whiskey. From open mic night to various DJs, it feels like coming home."

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